The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have expanded their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), the Nigeria-Canada air pact introduces Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for cargo operations and paving the way for direct scheduled passenger and freight services between both countries.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, the expanded pact followed a Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Worksession, where both sides reviewed the existing framework before signing the Agreed Minutes. The new arrangement significantly broadens the scope of air transport cooperation between the two nations.
Details of the Nigeria-Canada Deal
The agreement gives both countries the right to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services. It also provides for 14 weekly passenger frequencies and 10 weekly all-cargo frequencies for airlines designated by each government. However, the biggest gain is the introduction of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo services.
Fifth Freedom rights allow a cargo airline to carry freight between two foreign countries, provided the flight either begins or ends in its home country. This means designated Nigerian or Canadian cargo operators can build more commercially viable international routes while expanding trade opportunities beyond simple point-to-point operations.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, signed the agreement alongside Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia, at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja. Therefore, the expanded agreement formally establishes a stronger legal framework for direct air connectivity between both countries.
According to the statement, the revised Nigeria-Canada agreement is expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, lower logistics costs and deepen commercial, educational and cultural exchanges. In addition, direct air services are expected to stimulate tourism, facilitate investment and strengthen trade links between Nigeria and Canada.
The Nigeria-Canada agreement also reflects the growing movement of people between both countries. As of 31 March 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s leading international student source markets. Meanwhile, government officials believe improved air connectivity will further support business travel, educational exchanges and family reunification.
The Nigeria-Canada aviation relationship has evolved steadily over the years. The original BASA was negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement before it was formally signed in March 2025. The latest revision represents the first major expansion of that framework in more than a decade, providing greater operational flexibility for airlines from both countries.
The Nigerian delegation included Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani; Director of Legal Services, Jummai Yahaya; Director of Air Transport Regulation at the NCAA, Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, alongside other senior government officials. The Canadian delegation was led by Shendra Melia and included Jathorsan Lingarajan, Trade Policy Officer at Global Affairs Canada, and Steven Worth, Manager and Senior Policy Advisor at Transport Canada.
Speaking on the significance of the development, the ministry stated that the expanded framework would create new opportunities for airlines, businesses and travellers in both countries. It added that the agreement strengthens bilateral aviation relations while positioning Nigeria and Canada for deeper economic cooperation through enhanced air connectivity and more efficient cargo movement.
